Seat construction



June 9, 1942;

H; c. FLINT ETAL SEAT CONSTRUCTION Filed July '29, 1940:

Patented June 9, 1942 SEAT CONSTBUCTION Hyland 0. Flint, Royal oak, and Donald Fryer, Detroit, Mich., assignors to Patent Sales, Inc., Detroit, Mich., a corporation of Michigan pplication July 29, 1940, Serial No. 348,188

6 Claims. (Cl. 155-53) This invention relates to a seat construction and has special reference to a seat of the socalled unison type particularly adapted for usein motor vehicles although it may be used in chairs, davenports, and other constructions wherein it is desired to provide a synchronization of the verticalmovement of the back rest with the seat in order to effect a somewhat floating support of the user.

More particularly, this invention relates to a seat construction having a rigid support including an upright for resting on a supporting surface and a substantially horizontally extending seat frame mounted adjacent one end thereof on the rigid support with a substantially vertically extending back rest frame supported by the seat frame adjacent the free end thereof for substantially vertical movement therewith, there being means supported between the upright and back rest frame for resisting rearward movement of the back rest frame and for permitting the above mentioned vertical movement with respect to the fixed support responsive to the movement of the seat frame. Resilient means are secured between the upright and the free end of the seat frame for resisting movement of the seat frame in one direction and separate resilient means are mounted on the rigitf'support for controlling the movement of the seat frame in the other direction.

In the present invention a plurality of yielding strips are shown as being disposed between opposed sides of the seat frame for resistin a vertically disposed weight. The back rest frame is supported directly on the yielding strips to follow the vertical movement of the strips in their function of resisting the weight of a person or thing disposed thereon. It is readily apparent that cushioning means other than resilient strips may be employed such, for example,

a as the ordinary compression coil springs or the yielding rubber cushions more recently commercially exploited. The back rest frame will hereinafter be recited as being supported by the seat frame which frame may include any of the various types of supports above mentioned or which may be employed for that purpose.

Since the back rest frame is supported by or connected directly to the cushioning means of the seat frame, the weight of a person or object upon the cushioning means to deflect it from its normal position will cause a movement of the back rest frame downwardly therewith. Resilient means are secured between the upright of the rigid support and the end of the seat frame opposite to that which is mounted on the rigid support so that when a person or object is disposed thereon a double suspension is afforded thereto to resist the vertical action thereof. The cushioning means on the seat frame affords one means of suspension and the resilient means just recited affords a second suspension means and each thereof is different in character, action and results from the other. The operation or actuation of either the cushioning means or the resilient means or both affording this double suspension has a direct effect upon the vertical movement of the back rest frame.

In order to employ a resilient means that is soft in actuation to effect a so-called full floating suspension, it is necessary to effect a positive control thereof. If the resilient means secured between the upright and the free end of the seat frame for resisting movement of the seat frame in one direction is soft enough to operate to effect a leveling off of the minor jolts and jars accompanying normal riding conditions, then the resistance set up therein may not be stable enough to meet the necessary requirements of an unusual jolt or jar accompanying abnormal riding conditions such as are experienced in the operation of a motor vehicle. The present invention contemplates the provision of resilient means for effecting a positive control of the soft spring'whereby its use is effective under any condition of motor vehicle operation.

It is quite apparent, should a soft spring be employed sufficient to be effective when a load of a certain weight is supported thereby, that the same resilient means maynot operate as effectively over a wide range of different loads which may be supported by the seat. The present in vention, therefore, contemplates the provision of an adjustable resilient means which may be readily accessible for manual adjustment to accommodate a wide range of loads supported by the seat.

One of the objects of this invention is to provide a seat construction of the character indicated above in which the full floating suspension is under positive control by a simple compression means normally holding the suspension under predetermined degrees of tension.

Other objects and advantages of this invention will hereinafter be more particularly pointed out and, for a more complete understanding of the characteristic features of this invention, reference may now be had to the following description when taken together with the accompanying drawing, in which latter:

, 12, the other end being free.

Figure 1 is a perspective view of a seat construction embodying the features of this invention;

Fig. 2 is a rear elevational view of Fig. 1 showing the seat frame in a condition of disuse with no load supported thereby;

Fig. 3 is a fragmentary view similar to Fig. 2 showing the condition of the seat frame in use supporting a load.

Fig. 4 is an enlarged fragmentary plan view of the connection between the back rest frame and the yielding strips of the seat frame; and

Fig. 5 is a sectional view taken on the line 5-5 of Fig. 4.

Referring now more particularly to the drawing. the seat'construction of the present invention is illustrated ina form which is particularly adapted for use in automotive vehicles although the construction may readily be adapted for various other uses which will be apparent from a further consideration thereof.

' resting thereagainst- A rigid support is provided for resting on a supporting surface, the support comprising a continuous tubular frame having support-engaging portions IO and H connected at one of the ends thereof by a raised portion l2, the other ends of the support-engaging portions l0 and II extending upwardly to form uprights l3 and M, respectively. The upright portions l3 and H of the continuous tubular frame are, in turn, connected together at the upper ends thereof by a cross bar I5. A seat frame I16 is disposedin a substantially horizontally extending position, one end thereof being pivotally secured as by means of the hinges H to the raised cross bar The seat frame l6 preferably comprises a rectangular frame formed of angle iron comprising side bars l8 and I9 and end bars 20 and 2|.

For resisting a vertically disposed weight on the seat frame IS, a plurality of yieldable strips 22 are connected to and between the end bars 20 and 2|, each of the strips in the instance of the drawing being shown as comprising a wire of circular cross section having substantially horizontally extending undulations. The strips are normally upwardly arched with the ends of the wire being preferably secured in brackets of the like welded or otherwise secured to the ends 20 and 2| of the rectangular frame. ture of the yielding strips 22, the wire undulations are given a permanent arcuate set of comparatively small radius and thereafter the strips are extended from the normal small radius to that of a larger radius to conform to the desired arch to be' formed in the seat frame. Thus, when a weight is disposed on the yielding strips, a further enlarging of the radius is obtained which is resisted by the normally small radius 'of set.

A back rest frame 23 is disposed adjacent the free end of the seat to extend upwardly thereabove. The back rest frame is preferably made of endless tubular stock and of a conformation to fit the normal contour of the back of a user. The back rest frame comprises side bars 24 and 25 connected at theupper and lower ends thereof by cross bars 26 and 21. .A plurality of yielding strips 28 are connected between the opposed sides of the rectangular tubular frame and are preferably permanently connected thereto. The yielding strips 28 are of the same structural elements as the yielding strips 22 and are connected to the frame in the same manner. There may possibly be a difference merely in the weight of In the manufacyielding strips.

The back rest frame 23 is preferably connected directly to the yielding strips 22, the connection shown comprising a pair of opposed bars 29 and 30 preferably of arcuate cross section.

Resilient inserts 29a and 30a are disposed adja-.

cent to for engagement with the opposed arcuate faces of the bars 29 and 30 respectively, the yielding strips 22 being clampingly engaged between the inserts. Spaced bolts 3| extend through the cross bar 21 of the back rest frame adjacent the ends thereof, through resilient cushioning members 32 and thereafter through apertures in the opposed bars and inserts. One end of each of the spaced bolts 3| is bent angularly with respect to the main body portion thereof to engage the outermost bar, the other end of each bolt being threaded to receive a nut. Other bolts and nuts 3la are extended through the bars and inserts, there being preferably a bolt and nut for each yielding strip 22 in central alignment therewith.

The inserts 29a and 30a arepreferably of a width to cover a complete undulation of the yielding strip and a portion of another undulation on each side of the completely covered undulation. It has been found in use that where a metal to metal contact has been made between the opposed metal bars in clamping the metal yielding strips therebetween in actual physical engagement, considerable abrasion occurs over the engaged surfaces leading in instances to actual fracture of the strips. Further, because of the point contact between the bars and the strips, there has been a tendencyf or the undulations on each side thereof to tilt in one direction causing a twisting of the strips with possible fracture resulting.

The provision of an insert of resilient material, such as relatively rigid rubber, between the opposed metal bars for engaging the yielding strips therebetween, sufli'cient protection is afforded the strips to prevent abrasion and possible fracture and yet afford a positive connection. Also, by extending the width of the resilient inserts to cover a complete undulation of each strip and a portion of an undulation on each side thereof, the tilting of the strips is prevented. The resilient inserts are sufliciently flexible to permit the proper functioning of the The cushioning members 32 as well as the resilient inserts 29a and 30a prevent noises due to rattling, the cushioning members having the further function of permitting angular flexibility of the back rest frame with respect to the seat frame.

In order to afford a double suspension means for effecting a. vertical resistance to the weight of an object or person supported on the seat frame I6, a resilient means is disposed between the upper cross bar l5 of the tubular upright and the cross bar 2| of the seat frame I6. This resilient means is shown in the form of two coil springs 33 and 34 preferably equidistantly spaced from the center of th frame. The coil springs 34 normally hold the seat frame in a substantially horizontal position and in such a position that the weight disposed on the seat frame when subjected to shock will not permit the seat frame to extend to engage any portion of the support or supporting means.

In order that the resilient means shown in the form of coil springs or extension springs 33 and 2,286,168 34 may readily accommodate various weights 3 and effect the same full floating suspension for all weights, one end of the coil spring 33 is affixed to a bracket 35 permanently secured to the cross bar 2| of the seat frame and one end of the coil spring 34 is likewise secured to a bracket 36 permanently secured to the cross bar 2| of-the seat frame and, as described above, these permanent positions are preferably equidistantly spaced from the center of the construction. The other ends of the coil springs 33 and 34 detachably engage an arm 31 which latter is supported at the ends and intermediate thereof by the cross bar l5 of the upright of the rigid support.

The arm 31 is provided on each side of the center thereof with a plurality of points of attachment 38a, 38b and 380. In the drawing of Figs. 1 and 2, one end of each of the coil springs 33 and 34 is secured to the arm 31 at the points of attachment 380. This condition is desirable when the seat is to receive a minimum weight. When a heavier load is to be supported by the seat, the ends of the extension springs 33 and 34 are detachably engaged to the points of attachment 38b. For a maximum load, the ends of the extension springs are detachably engaged with the points of attachment 38a. Points of attachment, as described above, vary in distance from the seat frame or from that portion of the seat frame to which the other ends of the extension springs are permanently aifixed. This means of attachment provides an adjustability of the tension of the extension springs since because of the varying distances between the points of attachment and the seat frame, the lengths of the springs are varied to obtain various tensions thereon.

The suspension of the seat frame by means of the extension springs 33 and 34 is positively controlled to obtain a soft and even or full floating ride by a leaf spring 39. The leaf spring 39 is held intermediate the ends thereof by a sheath 40 attached to a cross member 4|, the cross bar in turn being secured to and between the upright portions l3 and M of the tubular rigid frame. The ends of the leaf spring 39 are adaptedto engage cushion members 42 and 43 supported by and extending above the cross bar H of the seat frame. [6.

In the position of the seat frame shown in Fig. 2, there being no load on the seat, the extension springs 33 and 34 are held under tension by the leaf spring 39. When sufficient weight is disposed on the seat frame IS, the extension springs 33 and 34 may be extended to the condition shown in Fig. 3 where the ends of the leaf spring 39 are out of engagement with the cushioning members 42 and 43. When the load on the seat changes as when the vehicle in which the seat construction is mounted goes over a bump or passes over a rut, the leaf spring 39 prevents the seat frame from receiving the full impetus of the tension of the springs 33 and 34 in one direction to cushion the effect of the jolt or jarpn the seat.

An vauxiliary frame 44 is secured to the back rest frame 23 for the purpose of facilitating the provision of upholstery thereover. The particular frame shown is desirable for the present seat construction inasmuch as resilient means 45 is disposed between the rigid upright and the back rest frame for resisting rearward movement of the back rest frame and for permitting vertical movement with respect to the fixed supports reor the coil springs 33 and 34. Such resilient means may preferably comprise, as shown more particularly in Fig, 1, a pair of rockers 46 and '41 pivotally secured respectively to the side bars of the back rest frame and the side bars of the rigid support, a coil spring 48 being disposed between the rocker members. Such resilient means are shown and described in my Patent No. 2,173,751, issued June 27, 1939, and for a more complete understanding thereof reference to this patent may be had. It is, of course, to be understood that other equivalent means may be substituted for these resilient members and while two such units are shown, a greater or lesser number of units may be employed as desired.

While but a single embodiment of this invention is herein shown and described, it is to be understood that variousmodifications thereof may be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of this invention and, therefore, the same is only to be limited by the scope of the prior art and the appended claims.

We claim:

1. In a device of the character described, a

rigid support including an upright for resting on a supporting surface, a substantially horizontally extending seat frame mounted adjacent one end thereof on said rigid support, a substantially vertically extending back rest frame supported by said seat frame adjacent the free end thereof for substantially vertical movement therewith, means supported between said upright and said back rest frame for resisting rearward movement of said back rest frame and for permitting said vertical movement with respect to said fixed support responsive to the movement of said seat frame, means associated with an upper portion of said upright having a plurality of points of attachment, an extension spring secured between the free end of said seat frame and one of said points of attachment for resisting movement of said seat frame in one direction, and compression means on said rigid support for controlling the movement of said seat frame in the other direction, said points of attachment varying in distance from said seat frame to predetermine the tension of said extension spring.

In a device of the character described, a rigid support including an upright for resting on a supporting surface, a substantially horizontally extending seat frame mounted adjacent one end thereof on said rigid support, a substantially vertically extending back rest frame supported by said seat frame adjacent the free end thereof for substantially-vertical movement therewith, means supported between said upright and said back rest frame for resisting rearward movement of said back rest frame and for permitting said vertical movement with respect to said fixed support responsive to the movement degrees of tension as prescribed by the point of attachment of said extension springs for conon a supporting surface, a substantially hori- 5 zontally extending seat frame mounted adjacent one end thereof on said rigid support, a substantially vertically extending back rest frame supported by said seat frame adjacent the free end thereof for substantially vertical movement points of attachment thereon, said arm being therewith, means supported between said upright and said back rest frame for resisting rearward movement of said back rest frame and for permitting said vertical movement with respect to said fixed support responsive to the movement of said seat frame, an arm having a plurality of points of attachment thereon, said am being fixed to said upright, extension springs permanently secured at one of the ends thereof to the free end of said seat frame with the other of the ends thereof secured to said arm at one of the points of attachment thereon for resisting movement of said seat frame in one direction, and compression means on said rigid support for controlling the movement of said seat frame in the other direction, said points of attachment varying in distance from said seat frame to predetermine the tension of said extension springs.

4. In a device of the character described, a

rigid support including an upright for resting on a supporting surface, a substantially horizontally extending seat frame mounted adjacent, one end thereof on said rigid support, a substantially vertically extending back rest frame supported by said seat frame adjacent the free end thereof for substantially vertical movement therewith, means supported between said upright and said back rest frame for resisting rearward movement of said back rest frame and for permitting said vertical movement with respect to said fixed support responsive to the movement of said seat frame, means associated with an upper portion of said upright having a plurality of points of attachment, an extension spring secured between the free end of said seat frame and one of said points of attachment for resisting movement of said seat frame in one direction, and a leaf spring secured intermediate the ends thereof to said rigid support, the ends of said leaf spring extending to engage opposed sides of said seat frame adjacent the free end thereof and normally holding said extension springs under tension for controlling the movement of said seat frame in the other direction, said points of at- 5 tachment varying in distance from said seat frame to predetermine the extension of said extension spring.

5. In a device of the character described, a

rigid support including an upright for resting on a supporting surface, a substantially horizontally extending seat frame mounted adjacent fixed to said upright, extension springs permanently secured at one of the ends thereof to the free end of said seat frame with the other of the ends thereof secured to said arm at one of the points of attachment thereon for resisting movement of said seat frame in one direction, and a leaf spring secured intermediate the ends thereof to said rigid support, the ends of said leaf spring extending to engage opposed sides of said seat frame adjacent the free end thereof and normally holding said extension springs under tension, said points of attachment varying in distance from said seat frame to predetermine the tension of said extension springs and for controlling the movement of said seat frame in the other direction.

6. In a device of the character described, a rigid support including an upright for resting upon a supporting surface, a substantially horizontally extending seat frame secured to said rigid support, a plurality of wires having substantially horizontally extending undulations to form yielding strips for resisting a vertically disposed weight and for connection between opposed sides of said seat frame, a substantially vertically extending back rest frame connected to said yielding strips intermediate the ends thereof .for vertical movement therewith, said connection comprising a pair of opposed bars having a resilient insert on each of the opposed faces thereof extending across at least a majority of said strips with said strips disposed between said inserts, said inserts being of such a width as to cover at least a complete undulation of said engaged strips, means for detachably connecting said opposed bars and inserts to said back rest frame, means supported between said upright and said back rest frame for resisting rearward movement of said back rest frame and for permitting vertical movement with respect to said fixed support responsive to the movement of said resilient strips adjustable resilient means secured between an upper portion of said upright and the free end-.pf said seat frame for resisting movement of sa "seat frame in one direction, and separate resilient means on said rigid support for controlling the movement of said seat frame in the other direction.

HYLAND C, FLINT. DONALD FRYER. 

